In a previous monthly article, a broad overview of UK NARIC applicant data from African countries was provided – the following brief summary explores similar recent trends in enquiry numbers from North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Since 2008, from the region as a whole, UK NARIC have received between 2,000 and 3,000 enquiries annually, roughly 6-8% of the total number undertaken every year. Below, the number of assessments we have undertaken for applicants from the most popular countries (plus the overall ranking) over the past four years highlights the predominance of US applicants, despite a recent drop in numbers:

In terms of specific national profiles, the USA, Canada and Jamaica are the largest source of applications, but – barring Canada – their respective share of the total number of assessments from the region has diminished over the period:

Country

2008

2009

2010

2011

USA

61%

62%

58%

52%

Canada

25%

22%

25%

29%

Jamaica

9%

8%

6%

7%

Other

5%

8%

11%

12%

Qualification level of migrants

Looking at the US, Canada and Jamaica in more detail, it is interesting to note the differing profile of enquirers.

The table below shows the breakdown of the level of qualifications submitted from these three countries during 2011:

Whilst the sample sizes vary significantly, it is nonetheless clear that Jamaican applicants in 2011 have tended to hold lower level qualifications, both than their North American counterparts and the global average.

In contrast to the 30% of Jamaican applicants that hold a Bachelor or postgraduate qualification, the equivalent proportion for Canada is 55%, with the vast majority of these applicants being first degree holders. An even higher percentage of US applicants hold at least a Bachelor degree, although it is interesting to note that 21% specifically hold a postgraduate award.